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A review by jenne512
There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale by Sean Astin
2.0
I had once read an interview with Gwyneth Paltrow where she explained how she places her films into two categories: good films and bad films. She seemed honest, but ungrateful, about her entire career. I remember finding her unattractive and boring, disappointed someone could lose so much perspective despite all the success and opportunity they had.
And, unfortunately, that is how I view Sean Astin in [b:There and Back Again An Actor's Tale|837899|There and Back Again An Actor's Tale|Sean Astin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312028579s/837899.jpg|4021].
Astin's book reveals a number of insecurities, such as not getting enough screen time in almost any film he is in to his constant worry over his film salary. If there is one specific fact about the Lord of the Rings trilogy that I can take away from this book, it's that the films were a $270 million dollar franchisee. This book came out in 2004, so many of the stories he does describe regarding the filming (ex: Andy Serkis ripping Astin's wig off during rehearsal) are things I watched on the behind the scenes DVD or have read elsewhere in interviews, etc. But reading about how Astin felt under appreciated in almost anything quickly got annoying. By the time I got to the parts about LotR process, I began reading this book slower cause I just couldn't handle his tone.
Since he was the child of two Hollywood actors, Astin possesses a sense of entitlement. The first third of the book, Astin discusses how his character didn't take off the way he wanted. How certain actors were more supported by agencies or studios and he was not. Or how certain experiences were picturesque and perfect (ex: filming Rudy - of course, cause he was the star). Even the LotR experience isn't enough. Astin complains about how he didn't connect with certain actors (the truly recognized ones, like Ian McKellan or Ian Holm) or how he felt the final cut of LotR: Return of the King was didn't "make him feel" (not enough Sam!). Many times, he writes how other people like Elijah Wood or his wife had to stop his "self-pity mechanism" by reminding him that LotR was a once in a life time opportunities. I'm sorry, his what?! "Being a selfish jerk" would have been the correct term.
I'm being generous in giving this book 2 stars - but here's why. Although Astin's account seems it was written by a teenage boy, there is honesty in some of it. If he felt mistreated, he certainly did write it. Whether mistreated by other actors or studios or with himself, the book seems to be like Astin's personal journal. Astin makes some points about how difficult it was to get started in directing, especially if you are not even close to a household name in Hollywood (famous parents can only do so much). Same with his honesty with weight issues. If anything, these opinions gave more insight into the film industry itself, which was interesting.
I finished the book with an understanding that even though actors may come to know the ins and outs of their characters, that does not mean actors are the characters. Samwise had a quiet strength that grew during moments of turmoils in Tolkien's unique masterpiece. Sean Astin simply played him - then complained about it.
And, unfortunately, that is how I view Sean Astin in [b:There and Back Again An Actor's Tale|837899|There and Back Again An Actor's Tale|Sean Astin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312028579s/837899.jpg|4021].
Astin's book reveals a number of insecurities, such as not getting enough screen time in almost any film he is in to his constant worry over his film salary. If there is one specific fact about the Lord of the Rings trilogy that I can take away from this book, it's that the films were a $270 million dollar franchisee. This book came out in 2004, so many of the stories he does describe regarding the filming (ex: Andy Serkis ripping Astin's wig off during rehearsal) are things I watched on the behind the scenes DVD or have read elsewhere in interviews, etc. But reading about how Astin felt under appreciated in almost anything quickly got annoying. By the time I got to the parts about LotR process, I began reading this book slower cause I just couldn't handle his tone.
Since he was the child of two Hollywood actors, Astin possesses a sense of entitlement. The first third of the book, Astin discusses how his character didn't take off the way he wanted. How certain actors were more supported by agencies or studios and he was not. Or how certain experiences were picturesque and perfect (ex: filming Rudy - of course, cause he was the star). Even the LotR experience isn't enough. Astin complains about how he didn't connect with certain actors (the truly recognized ones, like Ian McKellan or Ian Holm) or how he felt the final cut of LotR: Return of the King was didn't "make him feel" (not enough Sam!). Many times, he writes how other people like Elijah Wood or his wife had to stop his "self-pity mechanism" by reminding him that LotR was a once in a life time opportunities. I'm sorry, his what?! "Being a selfish jerk" would have been the correct term.
I'm being generous in giving this book 2 stars - but here's why. Although Astin's account seems it was written by a teenage boy, there is honesty in some of it. If he felt mistreated, he certainly did write it. Whether mistreated by other actors or studios or with himself, the book seems to be like Astin's personal journal. Astin makes some points about how difficult it was to get started in directing, especially if you are not even close to a household name in Hollywood (famous parents can only do so much). Same with his honesty with weight issues. If anything, these opinions gave more insight into the film industry itself, which was interesting.
I finished the book with an understanding that even though actors may come to know the ins and outs of their characters, that does not mean actors are the characters. Samwise had a quiet strength that grew during moments of turmoils in Tolkien's unique masterpiece. Sean Astin simply played him - then complained about it.